From the Guildhall to Darley Abbey, and flood defences, take a look at how our city will change
Derby’s currently closed Guildhall Theatre could be back open by winter 2027(Image: Derby Telegraph)
If 2025 was the year of completion for many of Derby’s long-awaited construction projects – Vaillant Live, the Market Hall, the Eastern Gateway and the University of Derby’s Cavendish Building – then 2026 looks to be a year of fresh starts and regrouping on a range of largely ongoing city developments.
Once again, the proposed demolition of the Assembly Rooms in the Market Place failed to happen despite council leader Councillor Nadine Peatfield saying she wanted to see the start of the deconstruction before the current festive season. A sticking point is the need for a fully costed and approved scheme to replace it.
So, 2026 will probably see a further attempt to demolish the 1970s building, but as it will take up to nine months and cost around £5 million, there won’t be anything to replace it anytime soon.
The Guildhall Theatre, closed in 2019, also failed to reopen, but the city council is optimistic that progress will be made in 2026.
The latter end of 2025 saw some progress on the latest phase of the flood defence project “Our City Our River”, so look out for more of the same type of demolition and reinforcement work in 2026.
Mrs Peatfield said: “2025 was a bumper year for us in Derby with the opening of our brand-new entertainment venue, Vaillant Live, the reopening of our beloved Market Hall and the start of the latest phase of flood defence works in the city centre – to name just a few.
“The progress we have made this year has made a visible and tangible difference to our city, giving us a brilliant platform to continue to build on. I’m confident that our work in 2026 will continue to create a safer, more vibrant city where everyone feels at home.”
These are the projects that we have to look forward to, which the city council provided to Derbyshire Live.
Market Place redevelopmentThis is the plan for Derby Market Place if the Assembly Rooms is demolished(Image: DCC)
“We will continue to work in partnership with VINCI UK Developments and Ion Developments on plans to redevelop the Market Place.
“The proposals include Derby MADE – a flexible community, commercial, leisure and cultural building, Derby WORKS – a new and modern, grade A office building, Derby HOTEL – a high quality, full service 4-star hotel.
“We are expecting to see an outline planning application for the scheme submitted in early 2026 and will consider a business case for the redevelopment early in 2026 also. Once the planning conditions for the demolition consent have been satisfied, demolition work can begin with construction of the new scheme to follow on completion.”
Guildhall TheatreDerby’s currently closed Guildhall Theatre could be back open by winter 2027(Image: Derby Telegraph)
“Although it’s looked quiet on the outside, there has been a lot of work going on behind the scenes of the Guildhall to look at the heritage features of the building and how we can carry out a sympathetic restoration while providing a theatre building that’s fit for the future.
“We’ll soon be at the stage where we can submit a planning application for the next stage of these works, required because of the Guildhall’s Grade II-listed status. We are looking forward to sharing initial design ideas for the building in the New Year.”
Darley Abbey Footbridge replacementThe footbridge is only a temporary structure which straddles the old bridge(Image: Derby Telegraph)
“We continue to develop the business case for a new permanent footbridge at Darley Abbey Mills. Once this is developed and a preferred option is in place, we will engage with residents and local businesses on the proposals.” (Of course, in recent days the temporary footbridge has had to close due to river bank erosion and the situation has still to be resolved.)
New Derby crematoriumA new crematorium for Derby is listed in Derby City Council’s proposed budget, with £11m set aside(Image: Derbyshire Live)
“Plans to create a new modern, accessible and dignified crematorium for the city will move ahead in 2026. The design process will be carried out in the New Year, in consultation with residents and partners.”
Our City Our River (OCOR)The Stuart Street office blocks that will be demolished to make way for the Derby Riverside project. if left in place, would become isolated by fast-moving flood water on all sides in a one in 100 year flood event. (Image: Derby Telegraph)
“Work will continue at Derby Riverside. Demolition has already started on some buildings around Stuart Street and Phoenix Street, including Crompton House. This clearance will pave the way for a new flood wall and a riverside park.
“This area will serve the dual purpose of acting as a vibrant public space for people to gather year-round, and as extra space for flood waters. We will also be undertaking more tree planting with local schools – 24 have signed up and will receive their trees in the new year.”
CastlewardArtist’s impression of one of the new buildings at Castleward Phase 5 (Image: BM3)
“Work is progressing well with phase 4 due to be completed in 2026. We expect a planning application for phase 5 to also be submitted in 2026.”
Transport and streetsThe Spondon island – better known as Asda island – could be in for changes(Image: Google Maps)
“Work will begin on January 4 to carry out improvements to Merrill Way. It will start at the junction of the A514, Merrill Way and Boulton Lane. The upgrades will increase capacity and improve traffic flow at the junction.
“The works are funded by EMCCA and Infinity Park Derby LLP, and form one of the planning conditions of the South Derby Growth Zone.
“Also in January, we will carry out surveys on Spondon Island to help develop a future improvement scheme for the junction that would have improved journey times and active travel options at its heart.
“Funding from the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) has been made available to support the development of this scheme and to enable the initial surveys to take place.
“The railings are currently being restored near the Five Lamps junction and the road project in this area will move to phase two. Work will continue on Duffield Road and Phase 2a will cover Lodge Lane and St Helens Street.
“The signals in this area will be refurbished to maximise the benefits to the bus services and active travel options in Darley.”
HousingNew council homes are under construction in Littleover, Derby(Image: Derbyshire Live)
Blackmore Street – Work began on 36 new bungalows in the summer and will continue through 2026
Barlow Street – Work began on 12 new affordable apartments this year and will continue through to 2026
Warwick House – Work on 22 new council houses is expected to be completed in 2026
Lonsdale Place – Work is under way to increase the number of temporary accommodation flats from 46 to 95
The Knoll – January 2026 will see the completion of 17 new homes
Drewry Lane – 12 new affordable homes are due to be completed in early 2026.
And away from council-led projects:
Friar Gate Goods YardThese are some of the first homes that will be completed
Years of neglect and concern about one of Derby’s most significant landmark buildings came to an end in October 2024 after work started on restoring the 19th-century Grade II-listed bonded warehouse on the Friar Gate Goods Yard site in the city centre. The £75 million project will also see another listed building restored on the site – the engine house – and the building of 276 new homes.
Groundworks commenced in November 2024 and the first phase will incorporate the formation of a new spine road through the site and remediation works to the two listed buildings. Simultaneously, construction of the first residential phase will take place.
This comprises 63 terraced houses, which will be available to live in before the end of 2026. The full redevelopment, restoration and construction programme is anticipated to be complete by the end of 2028 – but you can reserve a home there now. There will also be a four-storey apartment building containing 49 apartments.
Work is expected to start on the bonded warehouse and engine house, which will see them turned into flexible offices, a health and fitness space, a restaurant/café, together with a regional sales centre for the developer of the site, Birmingham-headquartered Wavensmere Homes.
Hippodrome TheatreHeritage experts have been fighting to save the historic former theatre building, as roads reopen(Image: DCC)
Although the city council has been heavily involved in the Green Lane building since it suffered another arson attack in May 2025, the venue is still privately owned.
After instant demolition of parts of the site following the May 16 fire, plans are in hand for the city council to carry out work to shore up the remaining facade and booking office, while plans are drawn up to decide the location’s future.
An urgent works notice has been issued by the city council, but without a response from the owner, so the council will be looking to recoup the cost of carrying out the remedial work, which will start in the New Year.
